Media Relations

Lowes has announced that they are donating $1 million to the American Red Cross for their disaster relief efforts.

People who have been negatively affected by 2008 hurricanes, like Hurivane Ike, may not even have a house to go home to anymore. Lowes has acknowledged this unforunate reality for victims of such natural disasters, and wants to make a difference.

Throughout the country, Lowes stores are now official donation sites for the American Red Cross 2008 Relief efforts. In order to help the American Red Cross provide food and shelter to families who have been affected by hurricanes, Lowes is matching each customer's donations up to $250,000!!

This is a powerful announcement for Lowes, especially during a time when many people's lives have been altered by hurricanes. It is important for this company to make this action known across the country, especially from a Public Relations perspective. When looking on the Lowes website, I found a link that took me to a page about this new annoncement. It included links to how-to videos that provided services preparing people future disasters, such as, building a hurricane shelter, creating a weather checklist etc...

The question is, are people aware of Lowes efforts? Are they using efficient Public Relations techniques to publicize this announcement?

Personally, I had no idea that Lowes was aiding the American Red Cross' hurrican relief efforts, until I looked on their website.

But what about people who don't visit the Lowes website on a regular basis?
(eh hem...Like they should...)
Not everyone is a crazy Lowes fan like me!! =)

When I searched online about Lowes' announcement, a few hits did show up online, such as, Marketwatch.com, redcross.com, msn.com, prnewswire.com, pressconnects.com, and yahoo.com. This shows that Lowes was successful at getting their story out there and publicizing.

When I saw that msn.com had an article on this announcement, I thought that this was wise PR, because so many people visit msn.com, and so many people have an email accound with msn.com. This means that the story will have a good chance at having a lot of exposure to the public.

It is clear that good Public Relations techniques are being utilized for this company, however there are a few things that I would have done differently. I would have suggested making it more known to the public by creating pamphlets including information about Lowes efforts upon each Lowes purchase when you visit a store. Perhaps suggest sending information cards in the mail to customers, telling them that they can help out families in need by simply visiting Lowes.

If you would like to join Lowe’s hurricane relief efforts, you may visit any Lowe’s store to make a donation, call 1-800-REDCROSS or visit www.redcross.org.

"Second isn't a bad thing..."

For all you racing fans out there, this just in...Jimmy Johnson tied in second during this weekends Race 1 of the Chase for the NASCAR Spring Cup!!

Team Lowe's must be PROUD! Jimmy led the most laps of ANY driver at New Hampshire Motor Speedway in his Lowe's Impala SS! But a las =(, on lap 288 of 300, racer Greg Biffle passes him up.

Prior to this Jimmy was a 2-time reigning champion!..quite the talented Lowe's driver...and not too bad to look at either ;)

In reference to the race Jimmy said "I'm very proud of the team and the day that we had...Victory Lane would've been great for this race team and all of our employee owners, but second isn't a bad thing, either."

Don't worry Jimmy, we still have faith in you!!

Race 2 of the Chase will is going to be held at the Dover International Speedway on Sunday, Sept. 21

Brilliant PR technique goin on here. I mean associating your company's name with racing? What can be better! Fast cars, good looking gentlement ;)...Lowe's must have a lot of fans

VISIT THE WEBSITE TO SEE JIMMY INTERVIEWED

http://www.lowesracing.com/

Lowe's is ALL about the NEW MEDIA

HI BLOGGERS!


If you have evern been to the Lowe's website than you will know what I'm talking about when I say that Lowe's is definitely keeping up with the times.

You don't even have to go to your local Lowe's store or turn on the TV to get instructions about fixing up your pad. There are many How-to Videos right on the Lowe's website. Lowe's even has its webisodes online called "Creative Ideas for Home and Garden!"

Lowe's How-To Videos Home Improvement Videos Instructional Help Videos





And if you don't like spending too much time on the computer, you can turn on your radio and tune in with Mac Jurko, and Harry on ESPN Radio 1000. Each week they talk about different Do-It-Yourself home projects.




Okay, now I for one nevery thought I would actually spend more than an hour on a home improvement company's website, but if you fellow bloggers have ever grown up with an addiction to the computer game SIMS, then you have GOT to check out the Lowe's Pergo online eShowroom!! You get to pick your room, the wall color, kitchen cabinet, and floor. It's actually a pretty good time =) So to all you future interior decorators, Lowe's is the place to go


http://www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?action=frameSet&url=www.pergo.com/images/flash/eshowroom/getLoweseshowroom.asp

Personally, I think that Lowe's is doing a great job using New Media. Their website is chalk full of webisodes, how-to-videos, podcasts, visual designers, featured promotions, weekly ads, top RSS feeds listed, online or telephone questions. Lowes.com also offers installation services and talks you through the process.

One thing that I couldn't find on the Lowe's website, however was a virtual tour. But this almost seems uncessecary what with a ll the visual designers and how-to videos. If I were Public Relations professional, the only thing I would change about the website is its layout. It is a little difficult to find some of the special links. For istance, you have to really search to find the "Wood Policy," which explains how Lowe's is protecting the planet by not purchasing lumber from endangered forests. It took me a while to find information on a description of Lowe's community service as well. It isn't a possibility however, and after I got familiar with the website, this became much easier.

Despite all that, you would be surprised at how much New Media is on this website! Check it out!

Introducing Lowe's Blogger

Hey Bloggers!

WELCOME to my Blog about the Home Improvement Company Lowe's!

* Basically I was blown away when I visited Lowe's website and feel the need to share Lowe's accomplishments.
Lowe's isn't just making your neighborhood pretty, there is some depth to this well known company. They have been dedicated to improving homes for 60 years and during this time they have found a way to really make a name for themselves, which is blog worthy in my book!

* This company is all about providing people with tools, materials, and services for any hand craft, project, installment, or home improvement. But Lowe's hasn't just limited itself to providing its public with basic home improvement products and services, there are so many other dimensions to it. Lowe's maintains it's positive reputation by maintaining relationships with communities everywhere.

* I was actually overwhelmed with how many different projects and organizations Lowe's is involved with such as Toolbox For Education, Habitat for Humanity, and American Red Cross.
* I bet that you had NO idea that since 2006, Lowe’s has contributed over $3 million to aid conservation efforts such as waterway cleanups and maintaining ecosystems. Not only do they supply people with quality tools and appliances for building a better home, they supply information about building an efficient home. I was so impressed to come across tips on how to save energy, water, and even money while searching on the Lowe's website. Hear that? A corporation that actually gives you tips on how you can save money!

* For a company that utilizes a lot of natural resources and energy, they are full heartily concerned with maintaining and protecting the environment. They are really minimizing any drawbacks that may result from an industry that destroys forests for construction, by implementing a wood procurement policy in which they phase out the use of wood products from endangered forests.

* And that's not even a sample of some of the interesting facts I found out about while searching on their website! Personally, I think that Lowe's involvement with the environment and community is so smart, not just for the globe, but for their own interest as well. What better way to built a positive reputation! I can't think of one person who wouldn't want to buy from a company that gives so much back to the world. WATCH OUT competitor companies! You have a lot of smooth PR and wise business choices to compete with =)

CHECK IT OUT for yourselves bloggers! Just go to www.lowes.com and click on About Lowe's at the bottom of their website. Look around in their Community section and you won't be disappointed! In fact, you'll probably be there for a while....trust me.

**Oh, and if you just so happen to need to redo your living room, then you went to the right website.